1. Home
  2. Journals
  3. International Neurology and Neurological Research
  4. Articles In Press
  Submit Manuscript

Research Article | DOI: https://doi.org/INNR-RA-25-003

The Effect of White-Colored Fruits’ Micronutrients on Brain Cell Function in Adults with Early Memory Loss

Agussalim 1*, Hikmawati Ma’sud 2

1  Parepare School of Nursing, Makassar Health Polytechnic, Ministry of Health Indonesian Republic

2  Makassar School of Nutritionist, Makassar Health Polytechnic, Ministry of Health Indonesian Republic

*Corresponding Author: Agussalim, Parepare School of Nursing, Makassar Health Polytechnic, Ministry of Health Indonesian

Citation: Agussalim, Hikmawati Ma’sud (2025). The Effect of White-Colored Fruits’ Micronutrients on Brain Cell Function in Adults with Early Memory Loss, J International Neurology and Neurological Research. 1(1) 03, DOI: INNR-RA-25-003.

Copyright: Agussalim, et al © (2025). This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Received: 23 May 2025 | Accepted: 29 May 2025 | Published: 03 June 2025

Keywords: white fruits; brain cells; memory loss; micronutrients; neuroprotection; cognitive function

Abstract

Background: White-colored fruits, such as apples, pears, bananas, and white guavas, are rich in specific micronutrients including potassium, vitamin C, quercetin, and polyphenols that may support brain function.

Objective: This study investigates the impact of regular consumption of white-colored fruits on brain cell function and memory improvement among individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 180 participants aged 35–65 years with early-stage memory complaints. Data collection included food frequency questionnaires (FFQ), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and serum micronutrient analysis (vitamin C, potassium, flavonoids). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS with Pearson correlation and linear regression models.

Results: Participants who consumed ≥2 servings of white-colored fruits per day showed significantly better MMSE scores (p < 0.001) and higher serum vitamin C and potassium levels. A strong positive correlation was found between potassium intake and cognitive performance (r = 0.67; p < 0.001), and between quercetin-rich fruit consumption and memory recall scores (r = 0.59; p < 0.01).

Conclusion: White-colored fruits may play a neuroprotective role in adults with early memory loss through micronutrient-mediated support of neuronal signaling and oxidative stress reduction. Public health interventions should consider promoting these fruits for brain health.

References

  1. Gómez-Pinilla F. Brain foods: the effects of nutrients on brain function. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2008;9(7):568–78.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  2. Liu RH. Health benefits of fruit and vegetables are from additive and synergistic combinations of phytochemicals. Am J Clin Nutr. 2003;78(3 Suppl):517S–520S.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  3. Slavin JL, Lloyd B. Health benefits of fruits and vegetables. Adv Nutr. 2012;3(4):506–16.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  4. Joseph JA, Shukitt-Hale B, Casadesus G. Reversing the deleterious effects of aging on neuronal communication and behavior: beneficial properties of fruit polyphenolic compounds. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005;81(1 Suppl):313S–316S.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  5. Spencer JP. Flavonoids and brain health: multiple effects underpinned by common mechanisms. Genes Nutr. 2009;4(4):243–50.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  6. Pandey KB, Rizvi SI. Plant polyphenols as dietary antioxidants in human health and disease. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2009;2(5):270–8.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  7. Harrison FE, May JM. Vitamin C function in the brain: vital role of the ascorbate transporter SVCT2. Free Radic Biol Med. 2009;46(6):719–30.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  8. Song Y, Wang H, Wu F, Cai W, Zhang J. Dietary potassium intake and cognitive function: a cross-sectional study. Nutrients. 2019;11(6):1302.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  9. Cryan JF, O’Riordan KJ, Cowan CS, et al. The microbiota-gut-brain axis. Physiol Rev. 2019;99(4):1877–2013.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  10. Haran JP, Bucci V, Dutta P, et al. The nursing home elder microbiome stability and associations with cognitive impairment and dementia. mSphere. 2018;3(6):e00574-18.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  11. Chan Q, Stamler J, Brown IJ, et al. Relation of white fruit intake to cognitive function in older adults: a cross-sectional analysis. J Nutr Health Aging. 2018;22(9):1102–8.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  12. Wengreen HJ, Munger RG, Cutler A, Corcoran CD, Zandi P, Hayden KM. Prospective study of dietary approaches to stop hypertension– and Mediterranean-style dietary patterns and age-related cognitive change: the Cache County Study on Memory, Health, and Aging. Am J Clin Nutr. 2013;98(5):1263–71.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  13. Lamport DJ, Saunders C, Butler LT, Spencer JP. Fruits, vegetables, 100% juices, and cognitive function. Nutrients. 2014;6(10):4392–420.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  14. Hackshaw A. Small studies: strengths and limitations. Eur Respir J. 2008;32(5):1141–3.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  15. Pusat Data dan Informasi Kementerian Kesehatan RI. Tabel Komposisi Zat Gizi Pangan Indonesia. Jakarta: Kemenkes RI; 2021.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  16. Nugroho HS, Sahar J, Prasetyo Y, Herlinawaty E. Validation of the Indonesian version of MMSE in elderly. Jurnal Keperawatan Indonesia. 2020;23(2):69–75.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  17. Kim YS, Yoo SM, Yoo HH. Determination of vitamin C in human plasma using HPLC and spectrophotometric methods. Clin Chim Acta. 2014;433:96–101.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  18. Chang C, Yang M, Wen H, Chern J. Estimation of total flavonoid content in propolis by two complementary colorimetric methods. J Food Drug Anal. 2002;10(3):178–82.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  19. Szulc M, Dumnicka P, Gala-Błądzińska A, Kuźniewski M, Fedak D. Clinical utility of ion-selective electrodes in potassium analysis in acute medicine. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci. 2019;56(5):329–36.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  20. Lourida I, Soni M, Thompson-Coon J, et al. Mediterranean diet, cognitive function, and dementia: a systematic review. Epidemiology. 2013;24(4):479–89.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  21. Patino CM, Ferreira JC. Internal and external validity: can you apply research study results to your patients? J Bras Pneumol. 2018;44(3):183–183.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  22. Vauzour D, Vafeiadou K, Rodriguez-Mateos A, Rendeiro C, Spencer JP. The neuroprotective potential of flavonoids: a multiplicity of effects. Genes Nutr. 2008;3(3-4):115–26.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  23. Williams RJ, Spencer JP. Flavonoids, cognition, and dementia: actions, mechanisms, and potential therapeutic utility for Alzheimer disease. Free Radic Biol Med. 2012;52(1):35–45.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  24. Elmadfa I, Meyer AL. Vitamins for the brain: neurobiological functions and deficiency risks. Ann Nutr Metab. 2019;75(1):18–25.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  25. Bowman GL, Silbert LC, Howieson D, Dodge HH, Traber MG, Frei B, et al. Nutrient biomarker patterns, cognitive function, and MRI measures of brain aging. Neurology. 2012;78(4):241–9.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  26. Loef M, Walach H. Fruit, vegetables and prevention of cognitive decline or dementia: a systematic review of cohort studies. J Nutr Health Aging. 2012;16(7):626–30.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  27. Harrison FE, May JM. Vitamin C function in the brain: vital role of the ascorbate transporter SVCT2. Free Radic Biol Med. 2009;46(6):719-730.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  28. Carr AC, Maggini S. Vitamin C and immune function. Nutrients. 2017;9(11):1211.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  29. Gao Q, et al. Vitamin C intake and cognitive function in older adults: a systematic review. Nutr Neurosci. 2021;24(3):215-224.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  30. Devore EE, et al. Dietary vitamin C and cognitive decline in aging women. Am J Clin Nutr. 2013;98(3):677-685.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  31. Spencer JP. Flavonoids and brain health: multiple effects underpinned by common mechanisms. Genes Nutr. 2009;4(4):243-250.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  32. Williams RJ, Spencer JP. Flavonoids, cognition, and dementia: actions, mechanisms, and potential therapeutic utility for Alzheimer disease. Free Radic Biol Med. 2012;52(1):35-45.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  33. Vauzour D, et al. Polyphenols and human health: prevention of disease and mechanisms of action. Nutrients. 2010;2(11):1106-1131.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  34. Rendeiro C, et al. Dietary flavonoids and brain health: interactions with inflammation, neurotrophins, and the gut microbiome. Nutr Neurosci. 2015;18(4):162-174.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  35. Barbagallo M, Dominguez LJ. Potassium and cognitive function. J Alzheimers Dis. 2010;20 Suppl 2:S29-S36.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  36. Hennig B, et al. Potassium's role in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol. 2014;9(4):567-574.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  37. Salthouse TA. Trajectories of normal cognitive aging. Psychol Aging. 2019;34(1):17-24.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  38. Stern Y. Cognitive reserve. Neuropsychologia. 2009;47(10):2015-2028.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  39. Kantarci K, et al. White matter integrity and cognitive aging: effects of dietary factors. Neurobiol Aging. 2020;87:120-129.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
  40. Wardlaw JM, et al. Cerebral small vessel disease: mechanisms and clinical implications. Lancet Neurol. 2019;18(7):684-696.
    View at Publisher | View at Google Scholar
img

Harry Brooks

journal of Clinical Case Studies and Review Reports. I would be very delighted to submit my testimonial regarding the reviewer board and the editorial office.the reviewer board were accurate and helpful regarding anu modifications for my manuscript,and the editorial office were very helpful and supportive in contacting and monitoring with any update and offering help.it was my pleasure to contribute with your promising journal and i am looking forward for more collaboration.

img

Mark

My testimonial covering : the peer review process is qucick and effective,the support from the editorial office is very professional and friendly, quality of the Clinical Case Studies and Review Reports is scientific and publishers research.

img

Sinisa franjic

i would like to thank the editorial team for their timely responses and consideration in the publication of my paper . I would encourage to publish there research in ScienceFrontier.

img

Ritu Tiwari

I am pleased to submit my testimonials regarding the reviewer board and the editorial office. As a peer reviewer for the manuscript titled “A Novel Dissolution Method for Simultaneous Estimation of sennoside A and Sennoside B in Senna Tablet,” I was consistently impressed by the reviewers’ thorough analysis, insightful feedback, and unwavering commitment to enhancing the quality of the work. Their reviews were comprehensive and characterized by a respectful and collaborative approach, providing valuable suggestions that significantly improved the paper's outcome. Their dedication to the peer review process demonstrated their expertise and steadfast pursuit of excellence.

img

Qader Bawerdi

With all due respect, I would like to express my opinion on the peer review, editorial support, and the quality of the journal as follows: The peer review was conducted quickly and with great care, and my article was accepted for publication in less than a week. The editorial support regarding the status of the article process was excellent, and they informed me every day until the acceptance of the current status of the article version, and regarding how to answer questions, the editorial support was excellent, timely, and friendly, and they answered questions as soon as possible and did not hesitate. The quality of the journal was excellent and it made me proud to be acquainted with the journal, and I sincerely look forward to extensive scientific collaborations in any field. I hope for increasing success and pride for the International Journal of Social Science Research and Review and all scientific and knowledge-based communities. Thank you

img

Bhuvanagiri Sathya Sindhuja

"I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the opportunity to contribute to this esteemed journal. The publication process was smooth, well-coordinated, and the peer reviewers deemed highly professional. The editorial team demonstrated exceptional diligence and support at every stage, ensuring a seamless experience from submission to final publication. I am truly honored to be featured in such a reputable platform and look forward to future collaborations."

img

Safana Abdullah Algutaini

Testimonial for the Journal of Biomedical Research and Clinical Advancements It was a truly rewarding experience publishing our study, "Single-Surgeon Outcomes of Left Ventricular Aneurysm Repair in Wartime Syria: A 10-Year Retrospective Study at Damascus University Cardiac Surgery Hospital," with the Journal of Biomedical Research and Clinical Advancements. The editorial and peer-review process was both rigorous and efficient, demonstrating a high standard of academic integrity and scientific scrutiny. The journal’s commitment to open access and global health equity is evident in its support of research emerging from conflict-affected and resource-limited settings—making our work not only visible but impactful. The professionalism of the editorial team, the speed of communication, and the clarity of submission guidelines all contributed to a smooth publication process. We were particularly impressed by the quality of the publication layout and the prompt indexing of our article, which enhances its accessibility to clinicians, researchers, and policymakers worldwide. We are proud to have contributed to this journal and highly recommend it to fellow researchers seeking a reputable platform to disseminate clinically significant and globally relevant findings.